The whole Nebraska file

NEBRASKA FIELD FILE

Every section, top to bottom.

About this guide — education built from the Nebraska Revised Statutes as the Nebraska Legislature publishes them, not a law degree in a webpage. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Nebraska attorney or a legal aid office. Current as of October 2026.

At a stop, the sections this page reads say, in short:

The operator's license is carried at all times while driving, and presented for examination on an officer's demand.
An officer demanding a license first displays proper evidence of lawful authority.
Evidence of insurance may be shown as an electronic image on a phone, without consenting to a look at anything else on it.
An owner who cannot produce proof of insurance has ten days to show the prosecutor it was in force, and the citation is then dismissed.

The Fourth Amendment sets limits on every stop, and the Supreme Court of the United States has drawn several of them. It has held that a stop is reasonable where the officer has probable cause to believe a traffic violation occurred, whatever the officer's actual motive; that an officer making a lawful stop may order the driver, and the passengers, out of the vehicle; that a passenger is seized by the stop and may challenge it; and that a stop may last no longer than its purpose requires, so it may not be extended for a dog sniff without separate reasonable suspicion. It has also held that consent to a search has to be voluntary, judged on all the circumstances, and that the prosecution does not have to prove the person knew they could refuse. Those holdings are a floor: a state's own constitution and statutes can give more protection than they do, never less.

Searches, frisks and arrests at a stop rest mostly on the cases rather than the statutes. Whether a particular stop was lawful is a question for a licensed Nebraska attorney.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-489

Sources for this section (9)

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-489 — Operator's license; duty to carry and exhibit; exception; officers; power to demand presentation
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-387.01 — Evidence of insurance; display as electronic image
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-3,167 — Financial responsibility; owner; requirements; prohibited acts; violation; penalty; dismissal of citation; when
Whren v. United States, 517 U.S. 806 (1996) — A traffic stop is reasonable when there is probable cause of a traffic violation
Pennsylvania v. Mimms, 434 U.S. 106 (1977) — An officer may order the driver out of a lawfully stopped car
Maryland v. Wilson, 519 U.S. 408 (1997) — An officer may order passengers out of a lawfully stopped car
Brendlin v. California, 551 U.S. 249 (2007) — A passenger is seized by a traffic stop and may challenge it
Rodriguez v. United States, 575 U.S. 348 (2015) — A stop may not be extended beyond its purpose to run a dog sniff
Schneckloth v. Bustamonte, 412 U.S. 218 (1973) — Consent to a search must be voluntary

Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Nebraska attorney.

NEBRASKA FIELD FILE

Traffic stops

Being stopped

Marijuana and drugs

Impaired driving

Court and money

Your home

Recording

Carrying a firearm

Charges and penalties

How you carry yourself

Walk it through

NEBRASKA FIELD FILE

Traffic stops

Traffic StopsNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-489 and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-3,167 — the license on demand, proof of insurance, and ten days to produce it▾

The Insurance RequirementNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-3,167 — a Class II misdemeanor, a suspension until proof is filed, and ten days to show coverage▾

After A CrashNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-696 and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-697 — stop, exchange information, help the injured, and report within ten days▾

Crossing The RoadNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,153 and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,154 — a complete stop for a pedestrian in the crosswalk, and yielding everywhere else▾

Staying In Your LaneNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,139 — as nearly as practicable within a single lane, and the center lane only to pass or turn▾

The Last Hundred FeetNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,161 — a turn signal for the last one hundred feet, and no turn until it is safe▾

On A BicycleNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,317 — near the right edge when slower than traffic, and the exceptions that let a rider move over▾

Speed LimitsNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,186 — twenty-five in a residential district, twenty in a business district, seventy-five on the interstate▾

Seat BeltsNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,270 and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,267 — the driver and front seat, and everyone under eighteen▾

The Car Seat RulesNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,267 — a child restraint to age eight, in the back seat, and rear facing to two▾

Passing A School BusNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,175 — twenty-five miles per hour on yellow, a full stop on red, and a five hundred dollars fine▾

Reckless DrivingNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,213 and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,214 — indifferent or willful disregard, and double the limit as evidence▾

Your Phone Behind The WheelNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,179.01 — no reading, typing or sending a text while moving, enforced only alongside another violation▾

The Motorcycle HelmetNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,279 — a helmet, or twenty-one, a Class M license and the safety course, with eye protection▾

Moving OverNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,378 — a lane apart from a stopped vehicle on a controlled-access highway, or slow down▾

Where You May Not ParkNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,166 — fifteen feet from a hydrant, twenty from a crosswalk, thirty from a stop sign▾

Driving While SuspendedNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-4,108 — a Class II misdemeanor and a one year driving ban for a first offense▾

Registration And PlatesNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-399 — a registered vehicle, plates fastened upright, and current decals▾

Driving Without A LicenseNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-484 — a Nebraska resident has an operator's license before driving on an alley or highway▾

The Points On Your LicenseNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-4,183 — twelve points in two years revokes a license for six months▾

Red LightsNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,123 — stop at the line, a right on red after stopping, and a yellow that means stop if it can be done safely▾

Following Too CloselyNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,140 — no closer than is reasonable and prudent, and one hundred feet behind a towing rig▾

Pulling Over For A SirenNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,151 — to the right edge, clear of the intersection, and stopped until it passes▾

Window TintNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,257 — thirty-five percent light through the front side windows, twenty behind▾

An ATV On The RoadNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,356 — farm use or a town ordinance, a license and insurance, and thirty miles per hour at most▾

Towed And Abandoned CarsNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-1901 — when a car left behind counts as abandoned, and a posted lot▾

Being stopped

When You Must IdentifyNeb. Rev. Stat. § 29-829 — on reasonable suspicion, a name, an address and an explanation▾

Resisting And FleeingNeb. Rev. Stat. § 28-904 and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-905 — force against an arrest, obstructing an officer, and driving to avoid arrest▾

Being ArrestedNeb. Rev. Stat. § 29-404.02 — a felony on reasonable cause, some misdemeanors, household violence, and court within seven days▾

Reading A Search WarrantNeb. Rev. Stat. § 29-815 and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-411 — ten days to execute it, a copy and a receipt, and notice before forcing a door▾

When Police Are Called To A HouseNeb. Rev. Stat. § 29-404.02 and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-439 — an arrest without a warrant for household violence, and the predominant aggressor▾

When Force Is UsedNeb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1412 — force believed immediately necessary for a lawful arrest, and deadly force only for the listed felonies▾

When They Take Your PropertyNeb. Rev. Stat. § 28-431 — a petition within ten days, an answer within thirty, and release to an owner who did not know▾

Marijuana and drugs

Minor In PossessionNeb. Rev. Stat. § 53-180.02 — no alcohol for a minor in a bar, on a street or in a car, and a good faith call for help▾

Marijuana And DrugsNeb. Rev. Stat. § 28-416 — an ounce or less is an infraction the first time, and other controlled substances a Class IV felony▾

ParaphernaliaNeb. Rev. Stat. § 28-441 — using or possessing drug paraphernalia to use it is an infraction▾

Calling For An OverdoseNeb. Rev. Stat. § 28-472 — a good faith call, staying on the scene, and no possession or paraphernalia charge▾

Drunk In PublicNeb. Rev. Stat. § 53-1,119 — not a crime anywhere in Nebraska, and civil protective custody for up to twenty-four hours▾

Furnishing Alcohol To A MinorNeb. Rev. Stat. § 53-180 — selling, giving or procuring alcohol for a minor, and a felony when someone is hurt▾

Tobacco And Vaping Under 21Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1418 — no cigarettes, cigars, vapes or nicotine products under twenty-one▾

Impaired driving

The DUI StopNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,196 and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,197 — eight-hundredths, implied consent, and refusing as a separate crime▾

Under 21 And DrivingNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,211.01 — two-hundredths for a driver under twenty-one, and a thirty day impoundment▾

Open ContainerNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,211.08 — no open container in the passenger area, and no drinking on a highway or in a public parking area▾

Court and money

Dying Without A WillNeb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2302 — the spouse's first one hundred fifty thousand dollars and half the rest, or everything▾

A Small EstateNeb. Rev. Stat. § 30-24,125 — personal property of one hundred thousand dollars or less, collected by affidavit after thirty days▾

Signing Over AuthorityNeb. Rev. Stat. § 30-4004 and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-4005 — durable unless it says otherwise, and valid only if acknowledged before a notary▾

Putting It In Writing FirstNeb. Rev. Stat. § 20-404 and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-3404 — a living will before two witnesses or a notary, and a health care power of attorney▾

When A Court Appoints A GuardianNeb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2619 — a verified petition, specific allegations, and a lawyer unless the person has one▾

Hurt At WorkNeb. Rev. Stat. § 48-133 and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-137 — written notice as soon as practicable, and two years to claim▾

Discrimination At WorkNeb. Rev. Stat. § 48-1104 and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-1118 — race, sex, disability, marital status and more, and three hundred days to file▾

Getting PaidNeb. Rev. Stat. § 48-1230 and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-1231 — the last check by the next payday or two weeks, and attorney's fees on a wage suit▾

Minimum WageNeb. Rev. Stat. § 48-1203 — fifteen dollars an hour in 2026, rising each January, and two dollars and thirteen cents plus tips▾

Getting Public RecordsNeb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712 — free examination, copies, and an answer within four business days of a written request▾

When A Meeting Is PublicNeb. Rev. Stat. § 84-1408 and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-1411 — open to attend and speak, advance notice, and an agenda fixed twenty-four hours ahead▾

A Death Somebody CausedNeb. Rev. Stat. § 30-809 and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-810 — an action by the personal representative within two years▾

A Lien On Your HouseNeb. Rev. Stat. § 52-137 and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 52-140 — recorded within one hundred twenty days, and enforceable for two years▾

When The Storage Unit Is SoldNeb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1607 — more than forty-five days in default, forty-five days' notice, and a year to claim what is left▾

What A Creditor Cannot TakeNeb. Rev. Stat. § 25-1556 — a homestead, a car, tools, household goods, and most of a paycheck▾

A Protection OrderNeb. Rev. Stat. § 26-103 — a domestic abuse protection order, granted ex parte in danger, with no filing fee▾

A Harassment Protection OrderNeb. Rev. Stat. § 26-104 — an order against someone who is not family, and one for a victim of sexual assault▾

Getting MarriedNeb. Rev. Stat. § 42-104 — a license from a county clerk, used within one year, and consent for a minor▾

Getting DivorcedNeb. Rev. Stat. § 42-349 — one year of residence, an irretrievably broken marriage, and sixty days after service▾

Changing A NameNeb. Rev. Stat. § 25-21,271 — a petition in district court after one year in the county, and notice published in a newspaper▾

Reporting Child AbuseNeb. Rev. Stat. § 28-711 — every person who has reasonable cause reports, with immunity for a report made in good faith▾

Abuse Of An Older AdultNeb. Rev. Stat. § 28-386 — abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable or senior adult, and who must report it▾

Small Claims CourtNeb. Rev. Stat. § 25-2802 — claims up to seven thousand five hundred dollars, no attorneys, and no jury▾

How Long To SueNeb. Rev. Stat. § 25-207 — four years for most injuries, five for a written contract, one for libel▾

Unfair And Deceptive PracticesNeb. Rev. Stat. § 87-302 — misrepresenting goods, bait advertising, false price cuts, and unconscionable dealing▾

A Sale At Your DoorNeb. Rev. Stat. § 69-1603 — three business days to cancel a home solicitation sale, and the money back in ten days▾

The Lemon LawNeb. Rev. Stat. § 60-2703 — four repairs or forty days, then a replacement or a refund▾

The Interest CeilingNeb. Rev. Stat. § 45-101.03 — sixteen percent a year unless another law allows more, and the price of usury▾

Payday LoansNeb. Rev. Stat. § 45-918 — thirty-six percent at most, five hundred dollars held at once, and a day to change your mind▾

When Your Data Is BreachedNeb. Rev. Stat. § 87-803 — an investigation, notice as soon as possible, and the Attorney General told too▾

Voting After A FelonyNeb. Rev. Stat. § 29-112 — the right to vote returns automatically when the sentence and any parole are done▾